First, let's talk about how radio systems work.
All radio systems have common components, including portable radios, mobile radios, radio sites, radio base stations, vehicle repeaters, and dispatch consoles.
Let's review each item that makes up the public safety radio system.
The portable radio is a small device carried by a person. It is also known as a "handheld," "PACset," or "Handi-Talkie." It has lower power output than a mobile radio.
If in range, a portable radio can talk to another portable radio, a mobile radio, or the base station/repeater/dispatcher.
A mobile radio is mounted in a vehicle and transmits with higher power than a portable radio. An antenna mounted on the roof of the vehicle helps to extend the range.
If in range, a mobile radio can talk to another mobile radio, a portable radio, or the base station/repeater/dispatcher.